Preventing Information Exposure by Blocking Third-Party App Access – LIAPP and LISS: A Case Study of Public Institution Mobile Security
Hello!
Today, we'll introduce a real-world security case study of LIAPP and LISS, which effectively prevented the leakage of sensitive personal information by blocking third-party app access in public institution mobile apps.
With the widespread adoption of smartphone-based administrative services, various public institution apps are now handling highly sensitive personal information, such as resident registration numbers, addresses, health information, and financial data. Security vulnerabilities in these apps can lead to catastrophic data leaks, making preemptive response essential.
Threat Factors: Overlay Attacks and Third-Party App Access
Common smartphone features like multitasking, split screens, and pop-up overlay apps can sometimes be exploited. Some malicious apps steal sensitive information by secretly overlaying a transparent screen (overlay) over a running app, intercepting keystrokes or capturing or copying internal app information.
These attack techniques can manifest in the following ways:
- Stewing input data, such as account numbers and passwords, during keyboard input
- Phishing attacks disguised as pop-up windows
- UI and data leaks through screen capture
- Apps running in the background accessing clipboard or memory information
Given the nature of public agency apps, these attacks, if left unchecked, are highly likely to lead to a loss of policy trust and massive user damage.
Background for the Introduction of LIAPP & LISS: Blocking Third-Party App Access and Strengthening Screen Protection
To further enhance security for public agency apps, we have introduced the mobile application security solution LIAPP and the mobile content and screen protection solution LISS.
Due to the nature of public services, which involve sensitive data entry, authentication procedures, and internal business functions, there have been persistent attempts to intercept the UI or display overlays to collect information from outside the app.
Accordingly, we have built an integrated security system that combines "App Protection (LIAPP)" and "Screen Protection (LISS)" to simultaneously respond to various threats, including external app access, overlays, and screen capture.
By applying these two services together, we were able to simultaneously implement:
- blocking third-party app overlays and touch injections;
- preventing screen capture and recording;
- preventing hooking, debugging, and forgery;
- protecting the app UI and preventing exposure of sensitive information;
- enhancing content output and screen layer security.
This enabled us to reliably meet the security requirements required for operating public institution services.
Feature Details
1. Overlay Detection and Blocking
- Immediately detects when another app overlaps the UI while the app is running.
- If an overlay is detected, the user is warned and the app is automatically terminated.
- Detects transparent overlays, advertising apps, and keylogger apps.
2. Screen Capture Prevention
- Prevents capture and recording of sensitive information areas within the app.
- Protects clipboard access and prevents copying.
- Detects and restricts the execution of screen recording apps.
3. App Forgery, Hooking, and Debugging Prevention
- Prevents app execution if tampered with or repackaged.
- App protection actions are triggered when hooking tools, rooted devices, or debuggers are connected.
- Integrated with real-time threat detection and administrator log forwarding.
4. Controls information exposure during multitasking.
- Blurs or blanks sensitive UI when switching apps.
- Integrates with automatic logout/session termination before screen lock.
Applications Results
After applying LIAPP and LISS to public agency apps, the following benefits were achieved in terms of user protection and operational stability:
- Complete blocking of overlay-based attacks
- Establishment of a rapid detection and response system for third-party app access
- Reduced risk of sensitive information exposure → Improved security audit items
- Reduced user complaints and improved app reputation
Particularly satisfying was the thorough strengthening of internal information security without impacting the user experience (UX).
In conclusion
Mobile security is no longer an issue limited to financial and gaming apps. Protecting mobile services is becoming essential across all sectors, including public institutions, education, healthcare, and communications.
LIAPP and LISS provide a "preemptive defense system" that even considers invisible security threats. As seen in this example, thoroughly isolating and protecting sensitive information within an app from external apps is the first step toward building digital trust.
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